6 Outdoor Spring Activities For Kids – Free and Fun!

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Spring has arrived, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to venture into the great outdoors with your little ones by your side. The fresh air, budding flowers, and chirping birds make for a beautiful backdrop to some of the season's most exciting activities.

Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just starting out, there are countless activities to indulge in. In this article, we’ll be sharing our top six favorite spring activities for kids that will help your family get closer to nature and make some unforgettable memories.

Nature Walks and Hikes Are Fun Spring Activities for Kids

One of the simplest and most rewarding spring activities for kids is going on a nature walk or hike. With plenty of trails to choose from, your family can explore different areas and discover what nature has to offer.

While on a walk, your kids can learn about different plants and animals that they may have never seen before. Encourage them to keep an eye out for tracks, nests, and other signs of wildlife.

If you plan for a hike, make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks and bring along your phone in case you lose your way. You could also bring along a book to read during your snack break.

National Geographic Kids 5-Minute Baby Animal Stories is a perfect choice. With twelve stories only taking about five minutes to read, it's a great pitstop book to bring along that's full of cute baby animals!

Pond and Stream Exploration

Speaking of exploring nature, next up on our list of outdoor adventures for kids is pond and stream exploration. There's something about bodies of water that fascinates children, and this activity allows them to discover the plants and animals that live beneath the surface.

Encourage your children to wear water shoes or appropriate footwear, as they can get muddy and slippery. Bring along nets, buckets, and magnifying glasses to help your children get up close and personal with the creatures they find.

It's really important to keep safety in mind when doing anything outdoors. When exploring bodies of water, it's essential to be aware of potential hazards such as slippery rocks, deep spots, and strong currents. Make sure to supervise your children closely and set clear boundaries for where they can and can't go.

Backyard Camping

After a day of exploring the great outdoors, there's nothing quite like spending a night under the stars. However, if your family isn't quite up for a full-on camping trip, backyard camping can be a great alternative. It allows you to get the full camping experience without straying too far from home.

To make the most of your backyard camping experience, be sure to set up your tent in a flat, clear area free of any potential hazards. Then, gather around the campfire (or fire pit) and indulge in classic camping treats like hot dogs, s'mores, and roasted marshmallows.

As the stars come out, take some time to point out constellations to your little ones and listen to the sounds of the night. When it's close to bedtime, break out some books to read.

Zeus The Mighty The Voyage on the Oddest Sea will take them on a Greek mythology adventure. Or, they could learn all kinds of amazing facts with National Geographic Kids That's Fantastic. If they don't want a story or to learn about facts, they could go sticker happy with My Favorite Animals Super Sticker Activity Book.

Whatever you choose it will be a great way to create lasting memories with your family and inspire a love of the outdoors in your children. The best part? You're just steps away from your own bed and bathroom in case anyone needs to call it a night early.

Bike Rides and Picnics

After a restful night in the great outdoors, it's time to get moving again. Spring is the perfect time for bike rides and sports with your family. Whether you're hitting the local bike path or a nearby park, getting some fresh air and exercise is a great way to bond and explore the outdoors.

If your children are young and don't know a whole lot about sports, National Geographic Kids Little Kids First Big Book of Sports can introduce them to dozens of fun sports and their rules. Its simple text is also great for beginner readers!

Don't forget to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy during your ride or as a break along the way. Picnics are a classic outdoor activity for a reason. They offer a chance to relax and enjoy good food and company in a picturesque setting.

Spread out a blanket under a shady tree, pack some sandwiches and snacks, and spend some quality time with your family. Encourage your kids to help plan and pack the picnic, giving them a sense of ownership over the experience.

Planting a Garden

Planting a garden is a wonderful way to spend time outdoors while also learning about the environment. It's an activity that requires patience and attention to detail, making it a great opportunity to teach your kids about responsibility and the importance of caring for living things.

Plus, the end result is always rewarding – there's nothing quite like picking ripe vegetables straight from your own garden.

You'll need some basic gardening supplies such as soil, seeds, and watering cans to get started. You can start your garden from scratch or purchase pre-grown plants to transplant into your garden beds. Either way, involve your kids in the process as much as possible – have them help with digging and planting and teach them how to care for the new plants.

As your garden grows, you can use it as an opportunity to teach your kids about the natural world. Explain how plants use sunlight and water to grow and how different soil types can affect their growth.

Encourage your kids to observe the various insects and birds visiting the garden and discuss their roles in the ecosystem. National Geographic Kids Little Kids First Board Book Becoming a Butterfly can be a great addition to your explanation. Your little ones will learn all about a butterfly's life cycle through stunning photographs and engaging text that's geared toward the younger crowd.

Nature Scavenger Hunts

Looking for fun and educational spring activities for kids? Try nature scavenger hunts!

To get started, choose a location with various plants, trees, and wildlife. This could be a local park, nature reserve, or even your own backyard. Next, create a list of items for your scavenger hunt, such as a certain type of leaf, a bird's nest, or a rock with a specific texture.

As you search for each item on the list, encourage your kids to observe their surroundings and ask questions about the things they see. This can lead to discussions about plant and animal adaptations, food chains, and ecosystems.

If you want to take your scavenger hunt to the next level, consider creating a bingo-style card with pictures of items to find instead of a traditional list. This adds an element of competition and makes the activity even more engaging for kids.

With nature scavenger hunts, not only will you and your kids have a blast exploring the great outdoors, but you'll also be fostering a love and appreciation for the natural world that will last a lifetime. So grab your binoculars and get ready to hunt!

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, spring is the perfect season for outdoor adventures with your kids. From nature walks to backyard camping, these activities provide opportunities for learning and exploration, all while creating unforgettable memories. So grab your gear and get outside with your little ones today!

Do you happen to know of any other enjoyable spring activities for kids?